Transient visit of STX17 (syntaxin 17) to autophagosomes

STX17 (syntaxin 17) mediates autophagosome-lysosome fusion, and the translocation of STX17 to autophagosomes is characteristic of this process. STX17 arrives at autophagosomes when they are closed, stays there for approximately 10 min to promote fusion with lysosomes, and leaves when the autolysosomes are mature. However, the mechanism of this transient visit remains largely unknown. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about this phenomenon, including a recently discovered retrieval mechanism, and discuss remaining questions. Abbreviations: MAM: mitochondria-associated membrane; SNX: sorting nexin; STX17: syntaxin 17.